2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback
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2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback Review
With Detachable Hard Bags and Windshield, Switchback is Two Bikes in One
Easily convertible from cruising to touring, it's like two bikes in one, with no compromises.
The Dyna® Switchback™ is custom touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and quick-detach windshield. Remove those components in just seconds to turn the Switchback into a custom street cruiser. Chassis, suspension and tires are engineered to deliver light, confident handling.
The Switchback is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category. Its styling evokes a classic proportion and clean, straightforward lines. The bend of the mini-ape handlebar and its pull-back riser combine with full-length rider footboards and a two-up touring seat to offer most Switchback riders all-day comfort.
The new Dyna® Switchback motorcycle from Harley-Davidson® is a quick-change artist. With its color-matched hard saddlebags and a fork-mounted windshield in place, the Switchback is a custom touring motorcycle. But in seconds, the detachable saddlebags and quick-detach windshield can be removed without tools. Now the Switchback is a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. When it's time to head out for a long weekend, simply re-install the saddlebags and windshield, and the Switchback is ready to roll for the state line.
The Switchback is powered by a muscular Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine that delivers strong performance on the boulevard and on the highway. The Switchback is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category, and at 718 pounds ready-to-ride is 94 pounds lighter than a Harley-Davidson Road King®. New front-end geometry, premium suspension components, and a low-profile front tire give the Switchback a plush ride and responsive handling.
"The new front end geometry, wheel and tire specs, and cartridge fork are engineered to work together to produce steering that's light to input and immediately responsive," Brian Scherbarth, Switchback project lead engineer. "A demo ride will reveal that Switchback is a capable touring motorcycle that's also really fun to ride."
Designed to look great with or without its saddlebags, the Switchback is styled to evoke a classic proportion and clean, straightforward lines from its 4.7-gallon fuel tank to the sweep of its full-coverage rear fenders. The bend of the mini-ape handlebar and its pull-back riser, full-length rider footboards and a two-up touring seat offer most riders all-day comfort.
CLEAN STYLING, CONVERTIBLE FEATURES
A union of opposites that sacrifices nothing, the Switchback's modern styling brings vintage Harley-Davidson simplicity to today’s roads in a look that defines classic: both true to its roots and completely contemporary. And with its detachable windshield and saddlebags, it's like having two bikes in one: a powerful, head-turning street cruiser that can also go the distance as a comfortable, easy-handling tourer.
2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback Model Highlights
- New model for 2012 model year
- Color-matched detachable hard saddlebags
- Quick-detach, fork-mounted windshield
- 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler
- Nitrogen-charged, 36mm monotube rear shocks have preload-adjustable, dual rate springs
- Cartridge-type 41.3mm front fork delivers enhanced damping performance, handling and ride comfort
- Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels with machine-highlighted rims; 18-inch front, 17-inch rear
- Full-coverage front and rear fenders
- Chrome headlamp nacelle
- Chrome fork covers and chrome rear shock covers
- Chrome tank console with integrated ignition switch
- Classic black battery box cover
- Full-length rider footboards
- One-piece, two-up seat with custom stitching
- Black powdercoated engine with polished covers
- 4.7-gallon Street Bob fuel tank
- Stainless steel, mini ape-hanger handlebar on pull-back riser
- Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free
security fob
2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback Features and Benefits
- Twin Cam 103™ engine with 103-cid (1690cc), rubber-mounted within the frame, is rated at 100 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 RPM. The engine is equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and is mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission.
- 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler tuned for a deep exhaust tone.
Advanced suspension is tuned for comfort and precise handling. Nitrogen-charged, monotube rear shocks have preload-adjustable, dual rate springs. A 41.3mm front fork with a 20mm cartridge delivers enhanced damping performance, handling and ride comfort.
- Low-profile Dunlop® 130/70B18 front tire and specific front-end geometry provides reduced steering effort, enhanced steering response and confident low-speed manuevering.
- Color-matched detachable hard saddlebags have a combined luggage capacity of 30 pounds. The saddlebag locks are common to the ignition key, and external latches do not interfere with packing or reduce usable bag volume.
- Quick-detach, fork-mounted windshield.
- The Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels have machine-highlighted rims; 18-inch front, 17-inch rear.
- Full-coverage front and rear fenders.
- Chrome headlamp nacelle.
- Chrome fork covers and chrome rear shock covers.
- Chrome tank console with integrated ignition switch.
- Exposed under-seat battery box
- Exposed rear coil-over shock absorbers
- Classic black battery box cover.
- Full-length rider footboards.
- The one-piece, two-up seat features custom stitched detail. Seat height (laden) is 26.1 inches. Its narrow cross section enables flat-foot stops for most riders.
- Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob.
- Stainless steel, mini ape-hanger handlebar on pull-back riser.
- 4.7-gallon fuel tank.
USA Specifications
US MSRP Price: Vivid Black $15,999, Solids $16,384 USD
Dimensions
Length 92.8 in. (2357 mm)
Overall Width 37.7 in. (958 mm)
Overall Height 55.5 in. (1409 mm)
Seat Height:
- Laden2 26.1 in. (663 mm)
- Unladen 27.4 in. (695 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.3 in. (110 mm)
Rake (steering head) 29.9°
Fork Angle 28.9°
Trail 5.84 in. (148.3 mm)
Wheelbase 62.8 in. (1595 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, bias blackwall front and rear):
- Front – Dunlop® D402F 130/70B18 63H
- Rear – Dunlop® D401 160/70B17 73H
Fuel Capacity 4.7 gal. (17.8 L) (warning light at approximately 0.9 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 3.0 qts. (2.8 L)
Transmission Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)
Primary Chain
Case Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)
Weight:
- As Shipped 696 lbs. (316 kg)
- In Running Order 718 lbs. (326 kg)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1170 lbs. (531 kg)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating:
- Front 455 lbs. (206 kg)
- Rear 794 lbs. (360 kg)
Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.875 in. x 4.38 in. (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Displacement 103 cu. in. (1690 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.6:1
Fuel System3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Fiberglass media, washable
Lubrication System Pressurized, dry-sump
Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 32/66 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive®
Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
- 1st 9.311
- 2nd 6.454
- 3rd 4.793
- 4th 3.882
- 5th 3.307
- 6th 2.79
Chassis
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 41.3 mm fork with 20 mm cartridge damping and triple rate spring
Rear Shocks Nitrogen charged 36 mm monotube damper with 5 step preload adjustable dual rate spring
Wheels4: Black 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum with highlighted rim
- Front 18 in. x 3.5 in. (457 mm x 89 mm)
- Rear 17 in. x 4.5 in. (432 mm x 114 mm)
Brakes:
- Caliper Type 4-piston fixed front, and 2-piston torque-free floating rear
- Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors (floating, front only)
- Front (floating) 11.8 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Rear 11.5 in. x .2 in. (292 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Anti-lock Braking System: Available
Suspension Travel:
- Front Wheel 3.86 in. (98 mm)
- Rear Wheel 2.13 in. (54 mm)
Performance
Engine Torque5 (per J1349):
- North America 100 ft. lbs. @ 3500 RPM (136 Nm @ 3500 RPM)
Lean Angle (per J1168):
- Right 29°
- Left 29°
Fuel Economy6 (EPA urban/highway test) 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km)
Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca
Charging Three-phase, 40-amp system (493W @ 13.5V, 2000 RPM, 540W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
- Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
- Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W
- Turn Signal Lights 28W self-canceling
- Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, low fuel warning, security system7 (optional), low battery, body controller diagnostics
COLOR OPTIONS
Solids
- Vivid Black
- Brilliant Silver Pearl
- Ember Red Sunglo
U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $15,999
Solids $16,384
With Detachable Hard Bags and Windshield, Switchback is Two Bikes in One
Easily convertible from cruising to touring, it's like two bikes in one, with no compromises.
The Dyna® Switchback™ is custom touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and quick-detach windshield. Remove those components in just seconds to turn the Switchback into a custom street cruiser. Chassis, suspension and tires are engineered to deliver light, confident handling.
The Switchback is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category. Its styling evokes a classic proportion and clean, straightforward lines. The bend of the mini-ape handlebar and its pull-back riser combine with full-length rider footboards and a two-up touring seat to offer most Switchback riders all-day comfort.
The new Dyna® Switchback motorcycle from Harley-Davidson® is a quick-change artist. With its color-matched hard saddlebags and a fork-mounted windshield in place, the Switchback is a custom touring motorcycle. But in seconds, the detachable saddlebags and quick-detach windshield can be removed without tools. Now the Switchback is a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. When it's time to head out for a long weekend, simply re-install the saddlebags and windshield, and the Switchback is ready to roll for the state line.
The Switchback is powered by a muscular Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine that delivers strong performance on the boulevard and on the highway. The Switchback is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category, and at 718 pounds ready-to-ride is 94 pounds lighter than a Harley-Davidson Road King®. New front-end geometry, premium suspension components, and a low-profile front tire give the Switchback a plush ride and responsive handling.
"The new front end geometry, wheel and tire specs, and cartridge fork are engineered to work together to produce steering that's light to input and immediately responsive," Brian Scherbarth, Switchback project lead engineer. "A demo ride will reveal that Switchback is a capable touring motorcycle that's also really fun to ride."
Designed to look great with or without its saddlebags, the Switchback is styled to evoke a classic proportion and clean, straightforward lines from its 4.7-gallon fuel tank to the sweep of its full-coverage rear fenders. The bend of the mini-ape handlebar and its pull-back riser, full-length rider footboards and a two-up touring seat offer most riders all-day comfort.
CLEAN STYLING, CONVERTIBLE FEATURES
A union of opposites that sacrifices nothing, the Switchback's modern styling brings vintage Harley-Davidson simplicity to today’s roads in a look that defines classic: both true to its roots and completely contemporary. And with its detachable windshield and saddlebags, it's like having two bikes in one: a powerful, head-turning street cruiser that can also go the distance as a comfortable, easy-handling tourer.
2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback Model Highlights
- New model for 2012 model year
- Color-matched detachable hard saddlebags
- Quick-detach, fork-mounted windshield
- 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler
- Nitrogen-charged, 36mm monotube rear shocks have preload-adjustable, dual rate springs
- Cartridge-type 41.3mm front fork delivers enhanced damping performance, handling and ride comfort
- Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels with machine-highlighted rims; 18-inch front, 17-inch rear
- Full-coverage front and rear fenders
- Chrome headlamp nacelle
- Chrome fork covers and chrome rear shock covers
- Chrome tank console with integrated ignition switch
- Classic black battery box cover
- Full-length rider footboards
- One-piece, two-up seat with custom stitching
- Black powdercoated engine with polished covers
- 4.7-gallon Street Bob fuel tank
- Stainless steel, mini ape-hanger handlebar on pull-back riser
- Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free
security fob
2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback Features and Benefits
- Twin Cam 103™ engine with 103-cid (1690cc), rubber-mounted within the frame, is rated at 100 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 RPM. The engine is equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and is mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission.
- 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler tuned for a deep exhaust tone.
Advanced suspension is tuned for comfort and precise handling. Nitrogen-charged, monotube rear shocks have preload-adjustable, dual rate springs. A 41.3mm front fork with a 20mm cartridge delivers enhanced damping performance, handling and ride comfort.
- Low-profile Dunlop® 130/70B18 front tire and specific front-end geometry provides reduced steering effort, enhanced steering response and confident low-speed manuevering.
- Color-matched detachable hard saddlebags have a combined luggage capacity of 30 pounds. The saddlebag locks are common to the ignition key, and external latches do not interfere with packing or reduce usable bag volume.
- Quick-detach, fork-mounted windshield.
- The Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels have machine-highlighted rims; 18-inch front, 17-inch rear.
- Full-coverage front and rear fenders.
- Chrome headlamp nacelle.
- Chrome fork covers and chrome rear shock covers.
- Chrome tank console with integrated ignition switch.
- Exposed under-seat battery box
- Exposed rear coil-over shock absorbers
- Classic black battery box cover.
- Full-length rider footboards.
- The one-piece, two-up seat features custom stitched detail. Seat height (laden) is 26.1 inches. Its narrow cross section enables flat-foot stops for most riders.
- Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob.
- Stainless steel, mini ape-hanger handlebar on pull-back riser.
- 4.7-gallon fuel tank.
USA Specifications
US MSRP Price: Vivid Black $15,999, Solids $16,384 USD
Dimensions
Length 92.8 in. (2357 mm)
Overall Width 37.7 in. (958 mm)
Overall Height 55.5 in. (1409 mm)
Seat Height:
- Laden2 26.1 in. (663 mm)
- Unladen 27.4 in. (695 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.3 in. (110 mm)
Rake (steering head) 29.9°
Fork Angle 28.9°
Trail 5.84 in. (148.3 mm)
Wheelbase 62.8 in. (1595 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, bias blackwall front and rear):
- Front – Dunlop® D402F 130/70B18 63H
- Rear – Dunlop® D401 160/70B17 73H
Fuel Capacity 4.7 gal. (17.8 L) (warning light at approximately 0.9 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 3.0 qts. (2.8 L)
Transmission Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)
Primary Chain
Case Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)
Weight:
- As Shipped 696 lbs. (316 kg)
- In Running Order 718 lbs. (326 kg)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1170 lbs. (531 kg)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating:
- Front 455 lbs. (206 kg)
- Rear 794 lbs. (360 kg)
Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.875 in. x 4.38 in. (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Displacement 103 cu. in. (1690 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.6:1
Fuel System3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Fiberglass media, washable
Lubrication System Pressurized, dry-sump
Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 32/66 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive®
Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
- 1st 9.311
- 2nd 6.454
- 3rd 4.793
- 4th 3.882
- 5th 3.307
- 6th 2.79
Chassis
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 41.3 mm fork with 20 mm cartridge damping and triple rate spring
Rear Shocks Nitrogen charged 36 mm monotube damper with 5 step preload adjustable dual rate spring
Wheels4: Black 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum with highlighted rim
- Front 18 in. x 3.5 in. (457 mm x 89 mm)
- Rear 17 in. x 4.5 in. (432 mm x 114 mm)
Brakes:
- Caliper Type 4-piston fixed front, and 2-piston torque-free floating rear
- Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors (floating, front only)
- Front (floating) 11.8 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Rear 11.5 in. x .2 in. (292 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Anti-lock Braking System: Available
Suspension Travel:
- Front Wheel 3.86 in. (98 mm)
- Rear Wheel 2.13 in. (54 mm)
Performance
Engine Torque5 (per J1349):
- North America 100 ft. lbs. @ 3500 RPM (136 Nm @ 3500 RPM)
Lean Angle (per J1168):
- Right 29°
- Left 29°
Fuel Economy6 (EPA urban/highway test) 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km)
Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca
Charging Three-phase, 40-amp system (493W @ 13.5V, 2000 RPM, 540W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
- Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
- Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W
- Turn Signal Lights 28W self-canceling
- Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, low fuel warning, security system7 (optional), low battery, body controller diagnostics
COLOR OPTIONS
Solids
- Vivid Black
- Brilliant Silver Pearl
- Ember Red Sunglo
U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $15,999
Solids $16,384
Motorcycle Insurance Information www.statefarm.com State Farm® has offered motorcycle insurance for 40 years Protection for the Open Road The open road is always an adventure. You never know what might be around the bend. So make sure you're prepared for whatever the road has in store for you, with a State Farm motorcycle insurance policy. Motorcycles Covered by State Farm We will consider any factory-built motorcycle, motorscooter, and other two or three-wheel vehicles including minibikes and trail bikes licensed for use on public roads. Available Coverage Options = Bodily injury to someone else or property damage that you accidentally caused while riding your motorcycle. = = Bodily injury to yourself because of an accident with an uninsured motorist. = = Damage to your motorcycle caused by an accident. = = Theft, fire, vandalism, and other losses even while your motorcycle is in storage for the winter. = = Customization work, such as paint or upgraded components = = Attached side cars. = Note: This is only a general description of available coverages and is not a statement of contract. All coverages are subject to policy provisions and applicable endorsements. For further information on motorcycle insurance see a State Farm Agent. |